Dates
Lois W. "Nonie" Baze left her earthly home of Ballinger, Texas and entered the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on July 2, 2026, at the age of 92. Nonie was born June 9, 1934, in Post, Texas to Arthur Louis and Essie Pearl Branson. She attended Post High School where she was a cheerleader, drum major, member of the color guard, and excelled in home economics. She married Bob Mason in 1952 and together they had Janice Lane, Marissa Kay, Julie Ann, and Robert Phillip. Later in life, she married Sam Baze and together they shared over 20 years of love, travel, and precious time with family and friends.
She learned to cook before she could read. At the age of five, she would go back and forth from her neighbor Aunt Clara's house to hers, as she patiently worked her way through the steps of a recipe. She was raised during The Great Depression, which fostered her sense of conservation. She was into recycling before it was a popular thing to do. Despite her frugal nature, she was always generous to open her home and kitchen to family and friends, both old and new.
She thrived in caring for everyone, cooking her famous "Nanny Breakfast," and hosting BBQs and fish fries with Sam by her side. She had a green thumb, enjoyed spending time working in her garden, and was always generous to share a "starter" from one of her plants. She was an avid reader and passed on her love of books to her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughters, Julie Miller and Marissa Carter and husband Rudy; grandchildren Charles Dodson and wife Judy, Chris Dodson, Jaqlynn Puente and husband Omer, Brandon Jackson and wife Jenna; great-grandchildren Tristan, Stoney, and River Puente, Tye Dodson, Isaac and Gwen Jackson, and great-nephew Joe Merrifield; great grandchildren, Kendra Diaz and husband Alonzo, Morgan Rodriguez and husband RJ, Zak Benton and wife Lauren, Terra Gunter and husband Bryce; great-great grandchildren: Johnathan, Jeremiah and Cayden Halsell, Devin Cruz, Rhett Welch, River Benton, Isla Gunter and Lorenzo Diaz. She also leaves behind her loyal dog companions, Sausi and Rowdy, who stayed by her side until the end.
She is preceded in death by her husband Sam Baze, her parents, infant son Robert Phillip Mason, daughter Jan Dodson, son in law Olen Dodson, grandsons Cody Dodson and Alex Mason Miller, sister Jean Borden, brothers Hollis Branson and Ray Branson, best friend Marie Satterfield, and her beloved dog Little Bit.
Visitation is scheduled from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM on Monday, July 6, 2026 at Robert Massie Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM Monday, July 6, 2026 with Pastor Joseph Buse. A private family burial will follow.
Pallbearers will be Charles Dodson, Michael Gatewood, Omer Puente, Tristan Puente, Emilio Puente Jr., and Rudy Torres.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Ballinger Home Health and Hospice, Pastor Marty Akins of First Baptist Church of Ballinger, Joseph Buse of Ballinger Home Health and Hospice, and Meals on Wheels. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Nonie to Meals on Wheels.